Opta

Opta has developed a database of sporting statistics used by the media, betting companies, sports teams and football scouts. It collects and distributes information on 60,000 fixtures a year, with football its main focus. Customers include Sky, the BBC, News International and football clubs such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. Opta has eight offices across Europe, and recently started working with Major League Soccer in New York. The London company was bought from Sky by the current management team in 2003, and in 2008 Albion Ventures invested £1.5m. Chief executive Aidan Cooney has overseen sales growth of 45% a year from £3m in 2007 to £9.1m in 2010, when the company made a pre-tax loss of £1.2m.

This profile reflects the company at time of publication and does not reflect any changes that may have subsequently occurred. Fast Track and its sponsors do not endorse, guarantee or recommend investment in any of the companies.